Though they do not often become serious, fungal skin and nail infections can prove to be rather frustrating and annoying conditions. Luckily, your dermatologist can help you get to the bottom of your fungus issue and find the treatment you need to successfully get rid of it for good. Find out more about treating fungus of the skin and nails with Dr. Ruben Antenor Moreno and Dr. Frank Lee at Florida Dermatology in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Suntree, and Titusville, FL.

What causes fungus in skin and nails?
A fungal infection comes from microscopic fungal spores entering the skin through a tiny cut or scrape and coming to rest under your dead skin tissue. Often, this fungus, called Candida albicans, does not cause any symptoms and simply lives on your skin. However, sometimes it begins to multiply, creating an infection and causing the symptoms related to a fungal infection.

Do I have a fungal skin or nail infection?
Your dermatologist will use a physical examination to visually inspect your infection and will most often find a patch of itchy, red, and scaly skin. Sometimes, the rash will leak fluids and have pustules around the outer border. If you have a nail fungus, you will probably notice a yellowed or brittle nail which may become misshapen or thickened. Severe cases cause the nail to separate from the nail bed.

Treating Fungus of Skin and Nails in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Suntree, and Titusville, FL
Treating your fungal infection will depend on the type of infection you have and its severity. Often, over-the-counter antifungal medications can clear up your condition. Prescription-strength varieties of these medications help more severe infections. Oral medications and antifungal lacquer for nails also treat fungal infections.